Animals in GTA V

Animals have been rumoured to appear in several Grand Theft Auto games, although most of these are generally believed to be created using unofficial modifications. Rockstar have, however, confirmed that animals, including wildlife, will appear for the first time in Grand Theft Auto V, including dogs who will guard restricted areas and will alert enemies of the player's presence, and sharks while exploring the ocean. Around Mount Chiliad and other countryside areas, there will likely be scores of birds and deer, and possibly bears.

Rockstar has stated in the past that they do not like the idea have having children or small animals in their games, possibly due to the controversy that could be caused by making them killable - Although dogs were present and killable in Red Dead Redemption, another game by Rockstar. They have since stated that without wildlife in GTA V's world, it would feel "too hollow", especially due to the large amount of countryside.

Types of Animals

Dogs

Main article: Dogs

Dogs will likely be the most common, as well as the most utilized, animals in GTA V. Franklin, one of the protagonists of the game, owns a rottweiler named Chop, and based on the second trailer, Chop appears to be a focal point of some missions.

Sharks

Main article: Sharks (animal)#GTA V

Sharks appear in GTA V as hostile animals, capable of attacking and killing the player. They spawn at random in all depths of the oceans around San Andreas, particularly in Blaine County, usually by themselves or in groups of two or three. When a shark is in the area, it appears as a red dot on the map, and will circle the player or their boat in curiosity. If the player is swimming, the shark will continue circling, gradually getting closer. Eventually the shark will attack, but only if the player is in front of it. Being killed by a shark unlocks the "Out Of Your Depth" achievement/trophy.

According to Abigail, a Stranger & Freaks character, sharks in GTA V are "San Andreas White Sharks", a fictional subspecies of Great White Shark. They are endangered, hence why they seldom appear in-game.

A deer being hunted as seen in the GTA V gameplay trailer

Deer

Deer are animals to be included in GTA V. The hostility of the animal in the game is unknown, though they are likely to be passive. They exist across several rural locations outside Los Santos, exact vicinities are yet to be revealed.

Others

The shadow of a moray eel can be seen in the upper left of a promotional gameplay screenshot showing a scuba diver exploring the ocean floor. Moray eels are known to bite if agitated, so this will be an added danger in the ocean in GTA V. Hands-on previews confirmed the inclusion of coyotes, bobcats and cougars in GTA V. Predatory animals will hunt other animals in the world, and most likely be a danger to the player as well.

Trivia

• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was originally set to have animals, but were removed later on in development. It's possible that Rockstar could not properly program animal A.I., which they would later do in Red Dead Redemption.

Gallery

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  A couple on the beach with a dog.

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  Franklin and his dog Chop rolling past a liquor store.

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  A shark near a scuba diver in pre-release screenshot.